Question

find the length of the third side. if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
15
17
answer attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Identify triangle type

It's a right triangle, use Pythagorean theorem: \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\), where \(c\) is hypotenuse (longest side, 17 here), \(a = 15\), \(b\) is unknown.

Step2: Rearrange formula for \(b\)

\(b = \sqrt{c^2 - a^2}\)

Step3: Substitute values

\(b = \sqrt{17^2 - 15^2} = \sqrt{289 - 225} = \sqrt{64}\)

Step4: Calculate square root

\(\sqrt{64} = 8\)

Answer:

8